Revisiting my past and smiling!


This photo was taken on my birthday a few years ago. I sometimes revisit my past because it is a constant reminder of how far I’ve come. God had his hand on me since I was a little boy, and I am forever grateful. If the walls of this home could speak, you’d be surprised to hear some of the things that went on in this place. The Foster Care system can be brutal, in fact the state removed me from my mother’s care because of her addiction to alcohol, and placed me in a place where I was tormented by people who were supposed to help me. I was a little boy who wanted to be loved but was violated in some of the worst ways possible. I was an innocent child who just wanted to be loved. If these walls could talk, they would tell you about the time when I was in kindergarten, and I was given alcohol and told to fight a woman who was mentally challenged. If these walls could talk, they would snitch on my Foster Cousin, who took advantage of me while I was sleeping. These walls would tell you how I was introduced to sex by my foster sister at the age of 5, and it was swept under the rug like it never happened.
Silence can be deadly. As a male who overcame childhood sexual trauma and lived in silence for many years, I can assure you that silence can kill you! Most victims go to their graves without telling a soul that they were sexual abused. I’m glad that I have found my voice and can give other victims hope. It’s only by the grace of God that I’m here today, and I’m thankful to be in my right mind in the year 2016. Although I’ve gone through so much throughout my life, in the words of Pastor Keith Battle, “my misery is now my ministry,” and God is being glorified throughout my healing journey. I share my life with you all because many of you are broken and living a life of shame because of past hurts. I’m a living testimony of what God can do if you let Him begin a good work in you. As I pen this blog, I am excited because my story could’ve had a tragic ending, but God had a greater plan. Although my life started off a little rocky, my latter days are greater, and I’m well on my way to be all that God called me to be. I have forgiven all who harmed me as a young child and was able to move forward. I don’t live with a victim’s mentality, but I now walk with my head held high because I am an overcomer. Be forever encouraged and never give up, I’m a living testimony of what God can do!
Brother Marko